The daily ritual of tackling a fresh crossword clue is a unique joy, isn’t it? That satisfying blend of linguistic acrobatics, lateral thinking, and the sheer delight when the letters finally click into place. We’ve all been there, staring at a particularly cunning crossword clue, convinced it’s designed by a benevolent tormentor. Today, we’re unpacking a particularly memorable one that might have had you scratching your head, or perhaps nodding in appreciation for its cleverness: “All over the mother animal (5)“.
This isn’t just any old crossword clue; it’s a prime example of the kind of wordplay that makes crosswords so addictive. When you first encounter a cryptic or even a semi-cryptic crossword clue like this, the immediate instinct is often to take it literally. “All over” implies covering something, doesn’t it? And “mother animal” – well, that seems straightforward enough. But seasoned solvers know that the magic often lies beneath the surface, in the delightful ambiguities and clever misdirections that constructors weave into every daily crossword clue.
Let’s dissect this intriguing crossword clue without giving away the secret handshake. The phrase “All over” is where a lot of the initial misdirection happens. In standard English, it suggests a comprehensive covering, or perhaps a feeling of general excitement or conclusion. However, in the world of crosswords, especially when dealing with a cryptic crossword clue, phrases can take on entirely new, often sound-alike, meanings. What if “all over” isn’t about location at all, but about how something
sounds
? This is a classic technique, known as a homophone, where words or phrases that sound the same but have different meanings are used to trick and delight. Thinking about how “all over” might sound when spoken aloud, perhaps quickly or in a particular dialect, can open up a whole new avenue for solving this type of crossword clue.
Then we come to “the mother animal.” This part of the crossword clue provides a crucial piece of the puzzle, yet it too can be interpreted in multiple ways. Are we talking about a specific species’ mother? Or a more generic term for a female animal that has given birth? The brevity of the required answer – a mere five letters – suggests we’re looking for a relatively common, perhaps even short, word for a mother animal. Think about the most frequently used terms in English for a female parent in the animal kingdom. Once you have a few candidates in mind, consider how they might combine with the
sound
we explored earlier for “all over.”
The beauty of this particular crossword clue lies in how seamlessly these two distinct elements – the aural trick of “all over” and the direct reference to “mother animal” – combine to form a single, coherent five-letter word. It’s a testament to the constructor’s skill in crafting a clue that feels utterly natural once you’ve cracked it, yet presents a wonderfully engaging challenge beforehand. It’s not just about knowing words; it’s about understanding the playful rules of the game.
So, when you next find yourself staring at a challenging crossword clue, remember to step back. Consider the literal meaning, yes, but also think about homophones, anagrams, hidden words, and the many other delightful tools in a crossword constructor’s arsenal. This “All over the mother animal (5)” crossword clue is a fantastic example of how a simple phrase can lead to a satisfying ‘aha!’ moment. Keep honing those wordplay muscles, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
LLAMA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 2 November 2025